3 Years Later, Riverside Family Reunites With Lost Dog

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) —A Riverside family was overjoyed Wednesday when they were reunited with their long-lost dog after three years.

In 2010, Bella, a German shepherd-pit bull mix, disappeared from Patricia Rodallegas and her husband's yard.

The couple searched hard for their pup, but came up empty-handed.

The situation was especially tough for Rodallegas, who had just given birth to a baby, Aleena. The mother told KCAL9's Tom Wait that Bella was meant to be part of the growing family.

"I was about five, six months pregnant. I was like, 'Okay, let's get a puppy, so the baby and the puppy can grow together,'" said Rodallegas.

The family was broken up until Wednesday, when Bella was found wandering in the areas of Wells Avenue and Tyler Street in Riverside.

A Riverside County Animal Services officer was able to bring her to Rodallegas, thanks to a microchip in the dog.

"When they knocked and said, 'We have Bella in the car,' I was like, 'Who?' I was like, 'What!?'" said Rodallegas.

She added, "She's still that hyper puppy at heart. She was like, really loving. She's still the same dog."

At the end of the day, Rodallegas said she's worried about whoever was caring for Bella all these years.

"If I find out who had her and I know that they're good people...because they took care of her...I'm willing to give her back," she said.